Nigella Lawson Denied Entry to U.S.

Celebrity chefNigella Lawsonwas denied entry to the U.S.Thursday,CNNreports.The British star had planned to fly from London to Los Angeles, but was turned back from boarding the plane. Lynn Platt, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in London, would not say ...

The British star had planned to fly from London to Los Angeles, but was turned back from boarding the plane. Lynn Platt, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in London, would not say why The Taste judge was denied entry.

During a hearing for her divorce from Charles Saatchi over the summer, Lawson admitted to using cocaine twice in her life. According to theImmigration and Nationality Act, the U.S. has the right to ban a foreigner from entering the country if they have been determined to be a drug abuser or addict.

Platt said Lawson has been invited to the embassy to apply for a travel visa. "We understand she has professional requirements for U.S. travel," she said. "These matters are generally handled routinely and expeditiously."